News

Diocesan Pastoral Plan Launched

The new Diocesan Pastoral Plan was launched on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May at an engaging festival that brought together priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay people, and many others from agencies, schools and parishes across our diocese.

At the festival, hosted by Bishop Michael and the members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, there was wonderful discussion and collection of different ideas and experiences that will help us build and improve on the good things already happening in our Church. It is important to share the Good News of our diocese as we prepare to implement the plan.

Thanks to those who were able to join us, the wonderful catch ups with old and new friends and for the prayers offered for the weekend. The plan asks us to make the Diocesan Vision statement practical in each parish, community and agency, focussing on three priority areas: Mission & Evangelisation, Mission and Co-responsibility, Mission and Celebration. Let us continue to pray for our diocese & parishes.

You can access the Diocesan Pastoral Plan here.

Following are some of the sharings from the gathering:

• It was wonderful to see people coming from different parts and ministries of the Diocese with their spiritual leaders in harmony, unity, co-responsibility, solidarity and synodality as one family to celebrate and plan for the future of the Church! I really enjoyed it.  Emerald
• As the name indicates the festival was an extra-ordinary event. There was among the participants a unanimity of mind and purpose. There was a sense of actively listening to each other. No one could shy away from the fact that we are all co-responsible for Mission in our Parish, Diocese and Church. It is God’s Mission and we are stewards of that Mission. Congratulations to the DPC and all who arranged the active welcome and celebration.  Bundaberg
• Of the palpable sense of harmony and unity and sheer goodwill among the whole group. I was especially impressed with the dedication, enthusiasm and deep faith of our younger generation despite all the damage done to the victims – and the Church – with the dreadful abuse saga . You all give me so much hope! Thank you!  Central Highlands
• Thoroughly enjoyed the nine presentations Friday afternoon giving us several ideas for our future planning.  Capricorn Coast 
• I was really impressed with the process and the facilitation.  Top marks all round for everyone involved.  Rockhampton
• Congratulations on the Festival, I think it went very well.  I am sure the Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be very helpful.  Rockhampton
• Please pass on my deepest thanks to Bishop Michael. Having the opportunity to meet as a faith community was enlightening. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, especially the discussions and new connections.  Gladstone